William Roberson

Moto journalist and photojournalist with decades of riding experience on all types of bikes. Based in Portland, Oregon.

Sondors metacycle

Electric Motorcycle Maker SONDORS In Receivership; What About The Bikes?

It appears thousands of customers may be out of luck - and cash

First Ride
2024 Yamaha Tenere 700 Is More Of The Same – But Better

But with new competition, does Yamaha need to rethink the beloved T7?

Dominant Racing Performance
Aussie Jett Lawrence, 20, Named 2023 AMA Motorcyclist Of The Year

Lawrence went 22-0 this year in the 450 Pro Motocross class

The Kove 450 Rally was a big hit at the show. Photo: William Roberson

Show Time!
I Went to EICMA And All I Saw Were The (Trans)Alps And These Crazy Bikes

An aftermarket love fest for the new Honda, and so many ADV scooters

The Super Meteor 650 has a fair bit of ground clearance and lean angle. It needs it it India. Photo courtesy of Royal Enfield

First Ride Review
2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650… In India

It's a "cruiser," but any time you're riding in India, it's an adventure

A frame grab from the Royal Enfield teaser video clearly shows a radiator, new tank design, LED headlight and an engine with no finning. Image: Royal Enfield/YouTube

Royal Enfield Teases Upcoming Liquid-Cooled Himalayan 450 Dual Sport

The Indian motorcycle makers ponders the future

A rack with room for a big dual sport? The Leitner system makes it simple. Photo: William Roberson

Review
Load It ALL Up: Leitner Racks Were Designed To Solve A Big Moto Problem

Take everything with you on the next big trip, including your bike

Sondors MetaBeast X Electric motorcycle. Image: SONDORS

SONDORS’s New Electric ‘MetaBeast X’ Motorcycle Aims For The Dirt

75 mph, knobby tires and 200 pounds

Aspens, rock walls and camped out overlanders are common sights along Boreas Pass, an easy dirt road ride that ends in Breckenridge. Photo: Bill Roberson

Mountain Mule
Riding The Rockies On Overland Expo’s Yamaha Ténéré 700 Ultimate Build – Part 3

A unique overnight rental and the nation's highest sorta paved road

Sun peeks through some light clouds as I head down a dirt road. The air is so clean out here it almost hurts. Photo: Bill Roberson

Mountain Mule
Riding The Rockies On Overland Expo’s Yamaha Ténéré 700 Ultimate Build: Part 2

Off we go to State Bridge and Cinnamon Pass

Solo riding in the Rockies is pure bliss - providing you have the right bike and setup. I did. Photo: Bill Roberson

Mountain Mule
Riding The Rockies On Overland Expo’s Yamaha Ténéré 700 Ultimate Build: Part 1

Every imaginable extra and many miles to go

In this highly accurate recreation of the fateful moment, I move in to detach the DR's leaky fuel line. Photo: William Roberson

Gear Origins
Touring The Leatherman Multitool Factory

A tale of passion, innovation, and the rejection of greed

While it's not a dedicated ADV style helmet at this time, Forcite says new form factors are in the works. Photo: Forcite

Review
Forcite MK1S Smart Streetbike Helmet

A much smarter approach to the 'smart helmet'

2023 Honda XL750 Transalp. Photo: Honda

Middleweight Bike Fight!
New Honda Transalp XL750 vs. New Suzuki V-Strom 800DE

The two new bikes have a lot in common, so what's different about them?

No matter where you're from or where you're going, a set of light bags allows more gear to make the trip and more options for activities. Photo: Bill Roberson

Gear Review
Nelson-Rigg Trails End Dual Sport Soft Bag System

Load 'em up, head 'em out, keep 'em dry

Image: RideBDR via YouTube

New Adventure Route
Northwest ADV Riders Celebrate Official Unveiling Of 750-Mile Oregon BDR

Hundreds pack Portland theater to see making-of documentary

Jay Leno on the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 -- image courtesy of Jay Leno's Garage

Jay Leno Injured In Motorcycle Crash, CNBC Cancels His Show

A tough run of luck lately for everyone's favorite motorhead